FAQ-So WTAF is Going On Here?

Right now, we are looking for artists that want to share their art with others but aren’t sure how to do so. Provided they have the type of material that we are looking for, and they are comfortable turning it loose out into the world, we may have an option for them.

I've recently found myself involved with a small group of eclectic folks from various backgrounds that were interested in forming a business around designing cool images and apparel. We started doing dye sublimation on shirts and other items, then testing the waters on Etsy and other ready built marketplaces, and the response has been very positive. We’ve seen enough good feedback that we are continuing to move forward on the project.

This has served as a beta test of sorts and has generated a fair amount of data and understanding of the markets and the processes involved in “getting something out there in the world”.

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We are dealing primarily with apparel right now but can print on a variety of other items as well. From fabric rolls to sheet stock. We can put custom images onto wallet sized cards to mantle sized framed pieces. There are caveats, and it takes some work, but you get the idea. We can transfer other’s images onto different substrates.

The overall concept isn’t just about printing though, or even just about apparel. It just happened that one of the eclectic peeps in the group has an awesome talent for designing unique apparel. That’s just what got us started.

The concept is about design and creativity. About the expression and sharing of people’s talents with others, and encouraging others to do the same. Whether with clothing, or through painting with acrylics or digital designs.

Similarly, the channels being created aren’t “just for apparel”. Apparel is just where we are focusing first. As we gain more exposure, we will use the apparel to propel the rest of the concept. Designs for other media and matrices are in the works and the goal is to build the infrastructure to offer marketplaces and sales channels that will allow Joe Nobody to get his shit out in the world. So many talented people out there that no one knows about. We want to give Joe an avenue to share his/her creativity.

What type of art are you looking to use for production purposes?

So, at the moment we are looking for some good designs for all sorts of items. Certainly for apparel, but don’t box yourself into that thinking. Anything goes. It’s about the art and creativity. We are starting to widen the scope now that we have the production down. Any art like the type we’ve discussed to this point would certainly be of intertest to the project, but the scope isn’t limited to the small amount of designs you may have seen on the Etsy test shop or that we’ve shared to this point. I’m happy to show a few more of some of our group’s images they’ve agreed I could share if you are interested.
We have some folks doing fractals and mathematical designs. Other are drawing cartoons or tattoos.
Anything like items on the site such as the Jellyfish, Octogasm, or funnies like the Dumpster Fire, Fuggy, or a hedgehog or a platypus are welcome, but someone who does portrait work or landscapes is encouraged to submit as well. The scope we are working with is broad and will only grow from here. Don’t get trapped into the idea as apparel only. This is larger than that.

Will I be compensated for any of the art used in production?

Absolutely. Anyone that contributes anything that is used for production would be compensated accordingly. Also, understand that the Etsy store is simply part of the research being done. That is an evolutionary step for this project. The finished project will be comprised of a standalone site constructed with many additional elements that artists will find valuable. There could be opportunities for artists to have their own page on the site, as well as possibly offering commerce through the site in the future. Ultimately the intent is to create an avenue for artists to be able to present their work, regardless of construct, and offer it to the general public if they desire to do so. All art, in almost any media you could imagine could possibly be presented this way.

Should I only post art that could be used for production?

Certaionly not. Post whatever you like. Art is in the eye of the beholder, and if you have something that may bring joy to another, you should post it. Some items will lend themselves to production, and some won't. That is fine. Also consider that we have often used elements that we originally felt weren't of great production value, but came back to after further evaluation.

Will anything I post here be used for other purposes?